[The GABA(A) receptor family: possibilities for the development of better anesthetics]
B Drexler1, C Grasshoff, U Rudolph
1Abteilung für Anaesthesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum, Tübingen. berthold.drexler@uni-tuebingen.de
Abstract:
Clinically used anesthetics show amnestic, sedative, hypnotic and immobilizing properties. On a molecular level these drugs affect several receptors in the cell membrane of neurons. By using genetically engineered mice a linkage can now be made between actions on certain receptors and clinically desired and undesired effects. Experiments show that a certain GABA(A) receptor subtype mediates hypnosis and immobility, whereas another subtype is involved in side-effects like sedation and hypothermia. These findings form the basis for the development of new drugs, acting highly specific and with fewer side-effects.
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